alleryA particle moves under a force F = −k x. The motion is:
AUniform circular
BUniformly accelerated
CSimple harmonic
DProjectile
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Simple harmonic
1. F = −k x is the linear restoring force characteristic of a spring (Hooke's law).
2. By Newton's second law, m ẍ = −k x ⇒ ẍ = −(k/m) x.
3. This is the SHM equation with angular frequency ω = √(k/m).
4. The total energy ½ k x² + ½ m ẋ² is conserved — spring PE + KE.
_Source: syllabus Physics Ch 5, §5.8 (spring PE) + Ch 13 SHM connection_
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